Universal Kids Resort Frisco: guide to the new Texas theme park

Universal is bringing a brand-new kind of theme park to North Texas, one designed specifically for younger kids and families. This is our central hub with information on what’s coming to Universal Kids Resort.

Universal Kids Resort will officially open on July 1, 2026.

Important note: Universal Kids Theme Park will be closed during certain dates in November, December and January.

Universal Kids Resort renderings and guide

Where is Universal Kids Resort located?

Along a busy road in Frisco, Texas, this small resort will combine themed lands, interactive attractions, and an on-site hotel into a more approachable, family-focused experience than Universal’s traditional parks.

The project marks a major shift for Universal Destinations & Experiences, introducing a smaller-scale park built for regional visitors rather than destination travelers. Many of the photos and videos used on the Universal Kids Resort website are from DreamWorks Land since many of the attractions are similar to what is being produced in Texas.

Here’s everything we know about Universal Kids Resort, including lands, rides, location details, and what families can expect.

Universal Kids Theme Park: Lands and themed areas

There are seven themed lands inside Universal Kids Theme Park:

DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp
DreamWorks’ TrollsFest
DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar
Isle of Curiosity
Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom
Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club
Jurassic World Adventure Camp

Universal’s new ‘Jurassic World’ theme park land | Rides, concept art

Universal’s new “Jurassic World” theme park land opens later this year with family-friendly rides based on the popular film and television franchise.

Universal’s first ‘SpongeBob Squarepants’ land | Rides, concept art

Universal’s first “SpongeBob SquarePants” land opens in 2026 with rides and locations based on Nickelodeon’s flagship animated series.

DreamWorks’ TrollsFest at Universal Kids Resort: height requirements, activities and parent tips

At first glance, DreamWorks’ TrollsFest looks like a burst of glitter and color tucked inside Universal Kids Resort. But beneath the sparkles is something even more meaningful: a place where families are invited to sing, dance, play and celebrate together.

Shrek’s Swamp at Universal Kids Resort: height requirements, activities, and parent tips

Planning a visit to Shrek’s Swamp at Universal Kids Resort? Learn about the ride, play areas, height requirements, character meet-and-greets, and parent tips before you go.

Minions vs. Minions at Universal Kids Resort: rides, play areas, and parent tips

A tropical Minion vacation quickly spirals into chaos at Universal Kids Resort. From splash-filled boat battles and spinning golf carts to interactive play spaces and character greetings, Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club may become one of the park’s most unforgettable family experiences.

Universal Kids Resort or Peppa Pig Theme Park? Which Texas park is right for your child?

Two Texas theme parks are designed specifically for younger children, but they serve different age groups. After visiting Universal Kids Resort and Peppa Pig Theme Park, here’s which park may be the better fit for your family.

Universal Kids Resort isn’t focused on impressive rides — it’s for young families

I expected my son to spend the day talking about rides. Instead, he couldn’t stop talking about Shrek, dancing with King Trollex, playgrounds and character encounters. Universal Kids Resort isn’t perfect, especially for some sensory-sensitive children, but our visit revealed a park built around family experiences, not just attraction counts.

Ride reviews

Stay tuned! Once Universal Kids Theme Park opens, we’ll share expert reviews for each of the rides so you know exactly what to expect and what’s worth your time.

Characters and entertainment

A theme park built just for kids is sure to have great entertainment and character meet & greets. Stay tuned as details are revealed!

What we know so far: families can meet Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and Gabby from DreamWorks’ “Gabby’s Dollhouse.” And adventurous kids can meet Jurassic World dinosaurs!

Dining and snacks

Family fun requires fuel. Stay tuned for more details on themed dining destinations and snack spots.

This viral SpongeBob sundae might be an early hit at Universal Kids Resort

Before Universal Kids Resort has even opened its gates, one snack is already getting plenty of attention. The Triple Gooberberry Sunrise sundae brings SpongeBob’s Goofy Goober world to life with layers of ice cream, Dole Whip, Pop-Tart pieces and other toppings packed into a colorful souvenir cup.

Hotel and resort experience

The Universal Kids Resort Hotel is being built as an integral part of the resort, offering close proximity to the theme park and a more streamlined experience for families traveling with younger children.

Universal Kids Resort hotel: what families can expect in Texas

As a place to stay and relax just steps away from the park, Universal Kids Resort Hotel was designed with families in mind. We’re sharing the details that make this a great destination for families with young kids.

Opening timeline and construction updates

Universal Kids Resort and its on-site hotel are currently under construction in Frisco, Texas, with an opening targeted for 2026. Let’s look at the announcements and milestones of its development.

“Universal Kids Resort is a place where kids are accepted just as they are, free to dance, dream, and play without limits or judgment. For many, it will be the first time the worlds they’ve only seen on screen come vividly to life—moments that ignite creativity, confidence, and joy. It celebrates all the best parts of being a kid, the laughter, the curiosity, the courage to be unapologetically yourself, and in doing so, invites a new generation into the incredible thrills of Universal.”

– Brian Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Universal Creative